During his lifetime, Alexandre Dumas (1802-1870)--grandson of a Caribbean slave and author of The Three Musketeers and The Count of Monte Cristo--faced racial prejudice in his homeland of France and constantly strove to find a sense of belonging. For him, "Monte Cristo" was a symbol of this elusive quest. It proved equally elusive for those struggling to overcome slavery and its legacy in the former French colonies. Exiled to the margins of society, 19th and 20th century black intellectuals from the Caribbean and Africa drew on Dumas' work and celebrity to renegotiate their full acceptance as French citizens. Their efforts were influenced by earlier struggles of African Americans in the decades after the Civil War, who celebrated Dumas as a black American hero.

Alexandre Dumas’ classic tale of revenge and redemption, The Count of Monte Cristo—Le Comte de Monte-Cristo is presented for the first time in English-French parallel text, complete and unabridged with black-and-white illustrations. The fourth of six, Volume Four includes chapters 58-77: Monte Cristo courts Paris society while Noirtier and Haidee reveal their terrible secrets. The Bilingual Library presents the world’s classics in parallel text. Each page in the original language is mirrored by its English translation on the facing page. Series editor D. Bannon is a member of the American Literary Translators Association and the American Translators Association.

"The Count of Monte Cristo" by Alexandre Dumas is a captivating adventure novel that tells the story of Edmond Dantès, a young Marseille sailor unjustly imprisoned. Victim of a plot orchestrated by jealous rivals, Dantès is accused of treason and locked up in the sinister fortress of Château d'If. During his long incarceration, Dantès meets Abbé Faria, an erudite prisoner who becomes his mentor. Faria reveals to him the existence of a treasure hidden on the island of Monte Cristo. After Faria's death, Dantès escapes spectacularly and discovers the fabulous treasure, which gives him immeasurable wealth. Transformed by the ordeal and fortune, Dantès reappears in Parisian high society under the mysterious identity of the Count of Monte Cristo. He then implements a meticulous plan of revenge against those who betrayed him: Fernand Mondego, Baron Danglars, Gérard de Villefort, and Caderousse. Each act of retaliation is cleverly orchestrated, revealing the secrets and crimes of his enemies. Throughout his quest, Monte Cristo is confronted with the unforeseen consequences of his actions, particularly on innocents. The novel thus explores themes of justice, redemption, and the limits of vengeance. The transformation of Dantès, from a naive young man to a relentless avenger, then to a being capable of compassion, constitutes the emotional heart of the work. Dumas weaves a complex plot, populated with memorable characters and striking twists. "The Count of Monte Cristo" remains a timeless classic, combining adventure, romance, and moral reflection in a captivating narrative.

Based on the overwhelming popularity of the Irwins' first guide to wildflower hikes, this second volume is sure to please. Covering the high country and western slope, the fifty hikes described in this volume once again take the reader through truly enchanted scenery. Discover the splendor of viewing the silky sky-blue petals of wild blue flax or breathing the scented air of wild roses. This user-friendly guide to finding Colorado's most colorful wildflowers describes the highlights of encountering the vivid sights and smells of wildflowers as well as other important tidbits. Wildflower enthusiasts will want to add Volume 2 to their collection.